[Chromosome anomalies in Venezuelan patients with multiple myeloma]

The cytogenetic study is an important prognostic factor in Multiple Myeloma (MM). The chromosomal analysis has demonstrated to be essential for the genetic advise in relation to the diagnosis, prognosis and might suggest precociously, the most appropriate treatment for the majority of hematological malignancies. The objective of this investigation was to identify the chromosomal abnormalities in samples of bone marrow (BM) from patients with diagnosis of MM. The chromosomal studies were carried out in BM cultures, following the technique described by Yunis. Without exception the analysis was carried out previous to any treatment with cytostatics. Twenty two samples of BM were received for chromosomal studies in the Unit of Medical Genetics of the University of the Zulia (UGM-LUZ). In 19 out of 22 samples (86%) appropriate material was obtained by cytogenetic analysis; 6 (32%) showed normal karyotype and 13 (68%) presented numeric and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Eight (62%) of the chromosomal anomalies detected were numerics, three cases (38%) with hyperdiploidy involving chromosomes 3, 5, 7, 15, 17, 18, 19 and four cases (50%) with hypodiploidy involving the chromosomes 8, 16, 17, 18, X and Y. Triploidy was found in one case (12%). Structural abnormalities were present in 4 cases (31%) such as deletions 5p11, 11p14, 14q32, 17p11 and 1 case (7%) presented structural and numeric anomalies. This study shows that the majority of patients with multiple myeloma have several chromosomal abnormalities with some differences from other reports.